Kerner attained fame as an outspoken and articulate proponent and defender of the coin-operated industries, and an innovator unafraid of trying new things. Long active in industry affairs, he served as president of the Amusement and Music Operators Association in 1990.

He is survived by wife Shirley, daughters Ellen (Vara) and Terri (Levine), son James, and 10 grandchildren.

Charitable contributions in his memory may be made to the Genitourinary Cancer Research Fund, i/c Dr. Dror Michaelson, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Yawkey 7E, Boston, MA 02114.